The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

NOTE: I want to say that I think I might have had a much higher view of Beautiful Disaster had I not listened to it in audio. A bad audio can ruin a good book so PLEASE go read other people’s reviews!

What I thought of the Story: Beautiful Disaster was a pretty solid story containing just the right amount of edginess and pleasure. I was compelled through out the whole story to find out what happened next. I finished the Audiobook in one day and even stayed up past my bed time in order to see what was going to happen. I really couldn’t tell where Jamie McGuire was going with Beautiful Disaster and that worked really well. WARNING: you won’t be able to put Beautiful Disaster down till the very end.

What I thought of the Characters: (I think this had to do with the narrator’s voice more than anything)! Abby sounded about 15 the way the narrator read her so instead of edgy and strong–she sounded whiny and hot-headed. There were moments where I wanted to scream at her and the indecisiveness that she showed. Towards the end the interactions between her and Travis were so exhausting that I wasn’t really sure if I was rooting for them to get together or come apart. Travis, I thought was a compelling character and very damaged. I never got the abuser vibe that I have seen in some reviews but he was intensely damaged. I never once thought he would cross a line and hurt Abby though. That being said (again I think it was the narrator) he did come across equally whiny at points especially around the middle of the story. They are both damaged and very raw with their emotions. I think if you read them instead of listen that comes across as very intense which is perfect for this story.

What I thought of the Audio: Beautiful Disaster was read by Emma Galvin and runs 12 hours. I thought the narrator made the characters sound way to young (around 15) especially considering the material. There were times where a scene would read whiny and insolent when I think if I was reading it there would be more intensity and extreme emotion. Instead of feeling torn in two by the conversations, I felt like it was two kids playing at being adults. Even though the actual ages of the characters were 20 and I think 22. This pretty much ruined the vibe for me almost from the start of the book. I did think the pacing and articulation were great. I think in YA, Emma Galvin would be an excellent narrator. She just did not work for me with Beautiful Disaster.

Overall Thoughts: Please go read other people’s reviews as my problems were probably specific to the format that I read/heard the story. I would recommend going with the print form of this story though you may end up liking the audio more than I did.

Felicia is just your average gal from Texas that loves Audiobooks and Libraries with a passion! She can wine them, dine them, and love them forever. Her eclectic reading tastes include: Cozy Mysteries, Thrillers, Swoon-Worthy Romance of all kinds, Zombies, Urban Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and the occasional YA read.

During her non-reading time you can find her hanging with her rescue furr children named after book characters: Lizzie a beautiful cattle dog mix (Pound Pup), Cinder a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Pound Pup), and Minerva a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Foster Fail). Gathering with friends and family, attending conventions, watching movies/tv shows, rooting for the 49rs, and crocheting.

If you want to follow her DIY, Health, and Life adventures check out Mess to Best

I read both books and don’t really think that the characters came off as whiny as they must have with the audio. That didn’t mean that I didn’t want to smack both of them a couple of times for the way they were acting. I will say that as damaged as Travis seemed in this one, it’s nothing compared to how you will feel about him if you pick up Walking Disaster. True, it is the same book essentially as Beautiful Disaster but seeing things from his perspective is totally different. You’ll have to let me know if you decide to pick it up.

I have to say, I read the book, and to me, Abby came across as whiny and immature in it also, so it may not be the fault of the audiobook LOL. I rated it a C because I really disliked her. On the other hand, I loved Travis, so even though I wasn’t wild about Beautiful Disaster, I am planning on picking up the book that is from his point of view.

It is an intense read and I actually understand the “bruhaha” surrounding it. There are some lines that I don’t think were crossed but depending on your own experiences it might appear that they were crossed. It is a book that will get people talking!

Yup, the narrator can totally make or break an audiobook. I think I’ve listened to books read by EG before, and I remember not liking her voice much. Luckily, I do have the book on my Kindle. I bought it way back after reading Tina’s review. I just need to play hooky from work and spend the day reading it. LOL

Ohhhhh, the book was so good!! I think I gave it a 5…:) But your so right about the audio, it can ruin an entire book if the voice and feel is off. BTW I understand too now about Gone Girl…the end didn’t ruin it for me but I agree with you didn’t match the first and second parts. Im listening to City of Women right now, oh my gosh its heartbreaking good.

I think having the girl sound younger than she is would definitely be detrimental, especially considering the intensity of the relationship between Abby and Travis. I’d be interested to see if you thought better of the book if you read it! I’m such a sucker for a damaged boy, so I’m thinking I may have to give this one a try and see what Travis is all about:)

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Just a Note:

I am not a professional reviewer. In fact all I am is an opinionated reader. I give my POV about the books I choose to read. Most books I love (that happens when you choose what you read) but occasionally one lets me down. It is never personal (towards the author, publishing house, or editor)–it is just my personal reading experience. So please read all my reviews with that in mind.

Thanks-

Felicia the Geeky Blogger

About Me

I am just your average gal from Texas that loves Audiobooks and Libraries with a passion! I can wine them, dine them, and love them forever. My eclectic reading tastes include: Cozy Mysteries, Thrillers, Swoon-Worthy Romance of all kinds, Zombies, Urban Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and the occasional YA read. I'm an avid dog lover that works with rescues and transports.

About Donna

I'm a tax preparer who loves to read. I've been reading historical romance and history for a very long time. Thanks to my Mom for handing down her Victoria Holt, Mary Stuart, et al when I was in junior high and my Dad who bought me any book I wanted. He believed along with the James Bond, I'd read the classics too. But the biggest thanks goes to my elementary school librarian who made sure we all had something we'd enjoy to read. For me, she picked Queen Elizabeth & the Spanish Armada and Mary, Queen of Scots. Hooked me for life!

I never knew reviews were so important until I was "dragged" onto Facebook and found many friends who feel like I do about books. Now, I post my reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes& Noble and sometimes NetGalley. With thanks to Felicia, I get to post my reviews on the Geeky Blogger.